Launch Of A Grand-Scale Search

As soon as Xander returned to the castle, he left his horse with a knight that happened to be patrolling the area. The knight was confused as he had not been notified of the King's prior departure from the castle and had no idea when or where the horse came from as well as why the King was dressed as a commoner. He however, simply saluted and obliged to the King's demands and led the horse back to the stable with a dazed expression. 

Xander then took long strides back to his chambers, not bothering to hide the fact that he had left the castle in secret. He had bigger fish to fry after all. His mind was filled with one thing and one thing alone. Finding Diane and his son.

His jaw was clenched and his expression grim. He couldn't let this situation happen again. With thoughts of finding Diane flooding his mind, he changed into his formal wear and headed straight to the barracks.

"Guys, did any of you do something wrong?"

"Err... does sleeping on the job last week count?"

"N... Wait... What?! You!"

"That's not it. Guys... This is serious. I've heard word that the King is personally heading this way."

"Gasp! I don't think I did anything serious! Why is he heading here though?!"

"Men! Stop talking! He's nearby!"

"Soldiers." Xander's voice resounded within the barracks. All the commotion from earlier died down as the soldiers stood rigidly, bowing with respect once they saw Xander.

"Greetings to the Sun of the Kingdom! May the blessings of the Great Dragon be on you." the soldiers exclaimed in unison as they kept their heads bowed in respect.

"Greetings. I hope you have all slept well and that it is not too early." Xander said as he folded his arms, his eyes sweeping the scene before him. The soldiers were clad in gothic plated armour with an exception of their helmets. It did seem sweltering to wear such heavy armour right from day break.

"Yes, Your Highness! It is not too early to serve you. We are willing to put our lives on the line! Just give us the word." the soldiers exclaimed as Xander mentally cringed. It felt over-exaggerated and gave him a headache.

"That's fine. I just need to round a few men for a task." Xander said while pinching his forehead. His handsome features scrunched into a thoughtful expression.

"We volunteer!" the soldiers exclaimed excitedly. It had been long since they last marched out to battle, let alone leave the castle ground as they weren't frontier soldiers.

"Hmm... that's good then. I'll send someone to inform you on this task later on." Xander said with a slight smile. He then turned on his heels as he exited the barracks. 

The soldiers bowed respectfully as they sent Xander off. Once he left the barracks, they grew rowdy and excited as they wondered aloud what the task the King offered them would be.

Xander stared at the barracks from a far as his thoughts drifted off to the letter. Diane had expressed her concerns on Mikhail's safety and wanted nothing to do with him anymore. She had explicitly expressed how she didn't want to be found nor where she went.

Xander gritted his teeth in frustration as he shook his head in denial. "I... won't accept this... I can't possibly lose you again, right after finding you...." He then stomped towards his palace, his fists clenched in anger as he muttered to himself.

***

The large oak door of Xander's study was slammed open with a loud bang. Louis who was arranging a pile of books on the bookshelf jumped, causing everything to fall off the shelf.

"A-ah... Your Highness... G-g-good day..." Louis greeted the King nervously as he bowed lowly. His voice was shaky from the abrupt shock he received when the King had entered the room.

"Hm. When you're done with the books... I have a task for you." Xander said as he walked to his leather-bound seat. He dragged the heavy chair as he then fell ontl it, huffing with slight satisfaction.

"O... of course. Whatever you ask for!" Louis stuttered as he immediately bent to pick up the books, scattered across the carpeted floor.

While waiting for Louis to arrange the books neatly, Xander leaned against his chair and crossed his legs, deep in thought.

"Y-your Highness! Is it regarding the gift I am to send over to that young man? I'll hasten my speed and deliver it by today." Louis exclaimed as he stood in front of the oak desk, watching the King nervously.

"Gift? ... Oh. Forget that. It won't be necessary. They're no longer there."

"P-pardon?!"

"Tsk. Its exactly what I said. That's why... I have a new task for you."

"And... May I ask what is the task?"

"Mobilise the Platinum Knights."

"Pardon?! Is there a major threat?!"

The reason why Louis asked such a question was because the Platinum Knights were the sole knights directly serving under the King. They played major roles in quenching wars and act as the King's personal bodyguards. Hence why Louis was shocked to hear the name of the platoon.

"Is there a major threat...? Obviously. Those two villagers... Find them." Xander said with a low voice. His eyes gleaming dangerously.

"A... ah... But... But... Your Highness! They are just commoners! If the nobles and citizens were to find out..." Louis hurriedly said only for Xander to glare at him.

"That's been taken care of. Send them together with the soldiers in the barracks. Tell the Platinum Knights to dress in the same armor and head straight to finding them."

"Huh? O-of course but still... It doesn't change the fact that those two were no doubt, commone..."

Xander had gotten up from his seat at this point and withdrew his sword, pointing its tip to Louis' throat.

"I have been very magnanimous. Quit testing my patience. Your blood is nothing but a stain on the floor." Xander's voice boomed in the enclosed space as Louis trembled. He had been trained in swordsmanship and excelled (sort of), yet, the bloodlust and pressure the King emitted sent shivers down his spine, making his blood run cold.

"M-m-my apologies.... I... will send word immediately."

"Good. While you're at it, close all ports and exits in and out of the city. They can't possibly have gone farther than the borders." Xander said as he sheathed his sword, the blade dancing in his hands before it slid back into the scabbard against his waist.

"Ve... very well. Then..." Louis bowed as he left for the door. His eyes darted for the door as he scurried toward it. Being in the room with the King felt even more oppressing today compared to the other days. Just what in the world did those commoners do?